Any 12" VLTOR VIS (3AK) owners here?

[Razorhunter]

I have a couple questions pertaining to the 12" VIS upper from VLTOR. I believe it is deemed as the model "3AK".
Anyhow, first off, is it truly the same length as a 12" rail?

Secondly, when using the VIS system, is it indeed possible to have a muzzle device permanently pinned/welded onto a 14.5" bbl first, and then assemble the bbl into the VIS upper?
I believe this is possible, as the VIS bbl nut should slip right over the muzzle device, right? Is there anything that would prevent the pinning/welding of the muzzle device first, before assembling a VIS upper?

Finally, does anyone have 12" VIS build pics? I would like to see some good 12" VIS pics if anyone can help out. I have seen a couple on the net, but nothing great, and I'd like to find all I can.
Thanks for any help.

[militarymoron]

I believe this is possible, as the VIS bbl nut should slip right over the muzzle device, right? Is there anything that would prevent the pinning/welding of the muzzle device first, before assembling a VIS upper?

even if it slipped over the muzzle device, it wouldn't clear the gas block. you'd need to capture the nut, install the gas block, then the muzzle device.

[Razorhunter]

Yeah, the GB. How'd I forget that in my rush yesterday? Heh.
Anyhow, perhaps the VIS bbl nut could be slipped on first, along with the GB second, and then the FH could be pinned/welded, BEFORE the VIS upper is assembled?
I'll have to think it over some more, but I think that would indeed work just fine.

[militarymoron]

Anyhow, perhaps the VIS bbl nut could be slipped on first, along with the GB second, and then the FH could be pinned/welded, BEFORE the VIS upper is assembled?

yes, that'll work. i have some pics that might help on my site:
http://www.militarymorons.com/weapons/ar.uppers.html#visupdate